Ara Hovnanian is the CEO and Chairman of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S. He took over the role of CEO in 1997 after being in various leadership positions since 1981 when he was first...

Ara Hovnanian is the CEO and Chairman of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S. He took over the role of CEO in 1997 after being in various leadership positions since 1981 when he was first appointed as a Director. His educational background includes a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Ara has a strong connection to the company’s founding, as he is the son of its founder, Kevork Hovnanian. Under Ara's leadership, the company has navigated through significant economic challenges and ongoing market changes in the homebuilding industry. Notably, he has a unique compensation structure emphasizing performance-based pay, which aligns his interests with those of the shareholders. In 2018 alone, Ara earned a total compensation of over $4.8 million, a mix of salary, bonuses, and stocks. Ara is also active in investing, with a remarkable history of insider trading involving up to $49 million in stock transactions at different times, showing his strong belief in the company's value. His long-term commitment is evident, having spent more than four decades with the company. Ara’s experience and family ties play a crucial role in the strategic direction and operational success of Hovnanian Enterprises.